Democratic presidential candidate Tim Walz’s verbal jabs at Republican vice presidential hopeful J.D. Vance took an unexpected turn when Walz revealed his own ignorance about the term “venture capitalist.” During a campaign stop in western Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Walz attempted to brand Vance as an out-of-touch elitist, but his argument fell flat after he admitted to being clueless about the role of a venture capitalist.
“Sen. Vance has become a media darling, having written a book about his hometown, but his approach is more about trashing his roots than celebrating them,” Walz said, aiming to paint Vance as a fake cowboy. However, Walz’s own words quickly turned against him as he exclaimed, “I don’t even know what a venture capitalist does most of the time!”
Social media users were quick to mock Walz’s stunning admission, with many questioning how someone who claims to be a leader can be so oblivious to the basics of business. “Tampon Tim,” a sarcastic social media user quipped, “tells us JD Vance is smart and he’s an idiot.”
Bestselling author Carol Roth called out Walz’s comments as disqualifying, while Claremont Institute’s Dave Reaboi snarked, “Imagine not knowing what most of your biggest donors do for a living.”
Another social media user chimed in, “You want to tax unrealized potential gains, but you don’t even know what a venture capitalist does? Make it make sense.”
Lawyer Jenna Ellis dismissed Walz’s comments as a desperate attempt to connect with rural voters, saying, “He’s hoping voters are as stupid as he is.”
Heritage Foundation senior fellow Jay W. Richards quipped, “He’s wearing a lumberjack costume while proclaiming his ignorance.”
Columnist David Harsanyi weighed in, “I’m not sure a person who doesn’t know what a venture capitalist does should be on a presidential ticket.”
Former Rep. Nan Hayworth delivered a scathing rebuke, saying, “Hey, look at me, I’m wearing a camo hat and flannel shirt, and I’m loudly proclaiming my ignorance because that’s what I’ve been told will make you believe I’m just like you.”
The exchange highlighted the challenges Walz faces in targeting rural voters in the final weeks ahead of the November election. Walz’s campaign stop in western Pennsylvania was aimed at winning over rural voters, but his own lack of knowledge about a basic business term may have undermined his efforts.
